Design of test signals for identification of linear systems with nonlinear distortions

The design of nonbinary multifrequency excitation signals (multisines) for identifying linear systems in the presence of nonlinear distortions is examined. The use of such signals in parametric and nonparametric frequency-domain estimation is addressed, and a comparison with the maximum length binary sequence is made. The performance of a multisine composed of only prime harmonics is assessed for robustness to nonlinear effects. Practical results are presented, and guidelines for test signal design are outlined